NFL Draft Breakdown: Position needs for NFC teams

The NFC features some of the NFL's best defenses, which includes the Seattle Seahawks, the reigning Super Bowl champions.

This conference also features a couple of teams - Philadelphia, Chicago, Carolina, Arizona - that appear to be on the rise, and a few former title contenders - Green Bay, New Orleans, Atlanta, and the Giants - that are regrouping.

Here is a team-by-team breakdown of every NFC squad's draft needs heading into next month's NFL draft, which begins on May 8.

The Eagles need an impactful pass rusher to make the 3-4 scheme work. Cutting Desean Jackson weakens what was a strong receiver unit, but Jeremy Maclin’s return from his season-ending knee injury should help the Eagles compensate for Jackson’s departure. Signing safety Malcolm Jenkins and cornerback Nolan Carroll will help Philadelphia’s defense, but the Eagles need better depth in the secondary.

Dallas Cowboys (DE, CB, S, ILB, OL)

Dallas’ defensive line was gutted this offseason. While the signing of Henry Melton should help fill the void, the Cowboys need to find players who can effectively pressure the quarterback. The secondary needs to be overhauled considering the Cowboys had the worst pass defensive in team history last season, and haven’t addressed the unit in free agency.

When Adrien Robinson and Kellen Davis are the best tight ends on the roster clearly the unit needs to be overhauled. It would be better for Justin Pugh to move inside to offensive guard, but to make that happen the Giants would have to find a starting right tackle. Replacing Justin Tuck and Linval Joseph won’t be easy, but the Giants might have two youngsters – Jonathan Hankins and Damontre Moore – who are ready to step up.

Washington Redskins (S, CB, ILB, OL, DL)

Washington allowed the second-most points in the NFL last season, which means improving the defense should be the priority. The Redskins need a long-term solution in the middle with the retirement of London Fletcher, while an old secondary desperately needs some new blood at every position. Every position along the offensive line, aside from left tackle, can use an upgrade or insurance. Jason Hatcher and Barry Cofield are solid on the defensive line but they are getting older and an upgrade at one of the defensive end positions would be nice.

NFC North

Green Bay Packers (TE, S, LB, WR, C)

The Packers need to find an outside and inside linebacker to supplement a unit that was depleted by injuries last season. Jermichael Finley vows to play again after undergoing surgery in November to repair his injured spine, but it might not be for the Packers. Green Bay’s safeties failed to create a single turnover last season.

Chicago Bears (S, OL, CB, RB, DL)

None of Chicago’s safeties distinguished themselves last season, and it weakened the secondary, which also needs an infusion of young cornerbacks. Center Roberto Garza is durable, but turns 36 this year. Michael Ford, who doesn’t have one NFL carry on his resume, is the only backup to Matt Forte. The Bears needs more options.

Detroit Lions (CB, S, LB, WR, DE)

The addition of Golden Tate will take some of the pressure off Calvin Johnson, but the Lions still have depth concerns at receiver. The secondary is also void of talent and would benefit from a newcomer challenging for the starting cornerback and safety spot.

Minnesota Vikings (QB, DE, OG, S, RB)

Rick Spielman must ask himself if Christian Ponder and Matt Cassel are good enough quarterbacks to keep him from getting fired next offseason? If the answer is no then the Vikings need to address that position early. Minnesota also needs to find a starting strong safety, defensive end, and a backup for Adrian Peterson.

NFC South

Carolina Panthers (WR, CB, OL, QB)

Losing Steve Smith, Brandon LaFell and Ted Ginn Jr. gutted Carolina’s receiver unit. Cam Newton needs more weapons to replace his top three receivers from 2013. Losing cornerback Captain Munnerlyn and safety Mike Mitchell weakened the secondary tremendously. The Panthers needs to focus on both those units in this draft, providing an infusion of speed to the roster.

New Orleans Saints (CB, WR, OC, LB, OG)

Champ Bailey is a short-term fix at cornerback, though Keenan Lewis is solid. Starters Kenny Stills and Marques Colston are solid at receiver but this unit could use some more juice. It appears the Saints are prepared to go with youngster Tim Lelito at center, but some insurance would be nice. The Saints could use some new blood at inside linebacker, not to mention an additional edge rusher to team with the likes of Cameron Jordan and Junior Galette. Guards Jahri Evans and Ben Grubbs can play but they are both on the downside of their prime and carry high cap numbers through 2016.

Atlanta Falcons (DE, TE, OL, FS, RB)

The Falcons managed just 32 sacks last season, which means the D-line still needs work, even after the free agent addition of Paul Soliai and Tyson Jackson. Finding a replacement for Tony Gonzalez won’t be easy either, and the Falcons need to find a young, change of pace tailback because Stephen Jackson isn’t getting any younger.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (DL, TE, OT, WR, QB)

New coach Lovie Smith has the Buccaneers starting over, and that means upgrades at every position are in play. However, Tampa Bay needs to find a top shelf quarterback, a seam threat tight end, and a receiver to pair with Vincent Jackson now that Mike Williams was traded to the Bills.

NFC West

Seattle Seahawks (WR, OG, OT, DL, TE)

Percy Harvin is frail and the Seahawks lost Golden Tate in free agency. Upgrades at offensive guard would be welcome and perhaps right tackle, as well. Additional depth along the defensive line would be nice after the departures of Red Bryant, Clint McDonald and Chris Clemons. Zach Miller is a serviceable tight end but a more dynamic threat would only help Russell Wilson.

San Francisco 49ers (CB, WR, LB, DL, OL)

As it stands, the 49ers don't have a dependable nickel corner on the roster, and the depth at safety is lacking. A vertical threat is needed to stretch the field. More depth is required along a stout-but-aging front seven. Left guard Mike Iupati could receive a big payday in 2015, so the 49ers might be wise to add additional depth there. Same goes for center, where unproven youngster Daniel Kilgore is slated to start.

Arizona Cardinals (OL, CB, OLB, DE, QB)

Bobby Massie will have a chance to step up as the starting right tackle. Arizona needs more pass rushers, and better backups in the secondary. Carson Palmer (34) isn’t getting any younger. It is time the Cardinals used a high draft pick on a quarterback Bruce Arians can begin to groom.

St. Louis Rams (OL, S, WR, CB, QB)

Jake Long is working his way back from an ACL year he suffered in week 16, so the Rams need to find a left tackle for 2015. If that's Rodger Saffold then the Rams need to find offensive guards. The caliber of talent in the secondary is also an issue. St. Louis has put a lot of resources into the receiver position, but hasn’t gotten equal value in return so far.